Ending violence against women by UN Women 10:23pm 23rd Nov, 2011   Top United Nations officials have called for engaging all of society, and especially young people, to end violence against women, a scourge that spans the globe and takes many forms, including rape, domestic violence and harassment at work.    “Whether in developing or developed countries, the pervasiveness of this unacceptable violence should shock us all,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.    “Violence – and in many cases the mere threat of it – is one of the most significant barriers to women’s full equality,” he added.    This year’s Day, observed annually on 25 November, focuses on youth leadership in preventing and ending gender-based violence.    “Our challenge,” said Mr. Ban, “is to ensure that the message of ‘zero tolerance’ is heard far and wide. To do that, we must engage all of society – and especially young people – and in particular young men and boys.”    He highlighted the need to promote “healthy models of masculinity,” and in particular encourage young men and boys to become advocates for change.    “I urge governments and partners around the world to harness the energy, ideas and leadership of young people to help us to end this pandemic. Only then will we have a more just, peaceful and equitable world.”    In a separate message for the Day, Mr. Ban said the right of women and girls to live free of violence is “inalienable and fundamental” and enshrined in international human rights and humanitarian law.    It also lies at the heart of the “UNiTE to End Violence against Women” campaign launched in 2008 to end the pandemic.    The Executive Director of UN Women, Michelle Bachelet, for her part, called on world leaders to mobilize political will and investment to ensure that women can live a life without violence.    “Violence against women is not solely a women’s issue,” she stated. “It diminishes each and every one of us. We need to come together to end it. By coming together, by standing up against violence against women, we will come closer to peace, justice and equality.”    According to UN Women, 125 countries have specific laws that penalize domestic violence, and equality between women and men is guaranteed in 139 countries and territories. But women continue to be subjected to violence, with estimates indicating that up to six in 10 women have suffered physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, a majority from their husbands or partners.    Ms. Bachelet outlined 16 concrete policy actions to end violence against women, including revising laws, providing universal access to emergency services for survivors, engaging men and boys, and bringing perpetrators to justice.    * For more details visit the link below. Visit the related web page
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